1. The act of executing or putting to death by a method widespread in the ancient world during which the victim's hands and feet were bound or nailed to a cross: Crucifixions were morbid ways of torture and the killing of a person while at the same time humiliating the victim by being exposed to the public.
2. Any representation of Jesus Christ's death on the cross: In many Christian churches there is at least one symbol of the crucifixion to be seen which creates an atmosphere of solemness.
3. A public presentation involving harsh criticisms of someone or something that has disastrous results: Rose read about a politician in the newspaper who had immoral affairs which resulted in a crucifixion of his marital and political life.